In Parliament

Last week, I gave a speech in parliament advocating for our budget proposal. See my full speech here.

“We have a democratic and moral mandate. There is an expectation that the parties whose members are elected to this Parliament will respect Parliament and its processes. There is a presumption that we will engage constructively and responsibly. That approach has been lacking. However, the SNP will not let our democratic and moral commitments falter.”

January 25th I had an interview with BBC news Politics Scotland regarding the budget and and Brexit.

Highlights:

“What we’ve put forward is a budget for growth, for investment into infrastructure, and a budget that protects local services and prioritises the things that are important to people.”

“Whilst we welcome the decision made in the Supreme Court ruling yesterday that the Sewel Convention is not a legal obligation, we think it is clearly a democratic obligation and that Scotland’s voice must be heard. And if it isn’t, it will be a defeat to democracy.”

An excerpt from my speech that was then covered by The Edinburgh Reporter:

“The proposals will impact cleft palate families all over the East of Scotland from the North and East Islands, to the Highlands to Tayside and right down to the Borders. I deeply sympathise with families after looking into the difference in travelling time, especially for families travelling by public transport.

“For 95% the time will be increased, and in some cases will be doubled. I have spoken to both parents of children and also to young adults who are still in receipt of surgeries, I have listened to their views and as their elected member I have a responsibility to ensure that their voices are heard.”

Following the June referendum on membership of the European Union the MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, Ash Denham, has been appointed to the Scottish Parliament’s Europe and External Affairs Committee.

Commenting, Ms Denham said:

“I am delighted to be appointed to what is likely to be a very engaging committee at this time in Scottish politics.

“As Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, I look forward to putting my knowledge to good use in my new position, to further our relations within the European Union and beyond.

“As the MSP for an area with a strong Remain vote, I am glad to have the opportunity to represent my constituents and their views on this committee.”

Edinburgh’s position to Remain in the EU “must be protected”

SNP MSP Ash Denham has joined with colleagues cross-party in the Scottish Parliament in uniting behind the First Minister’s efforts to keep Scotland in the European Union – after an emergency debate to give the Scottish Government a mandate to commence discussions with EU institutions and member states.

At Decision Time on Tuesday, MSPs voted overwhelmingly by 92 votes to 0 in favour of a Scottish Government motion in favour of exploring options to protect Scotland’s EU membership – with only the Scottish Conservatives withholding support.

Commenting, Denham said:

“Last week, the people of Edinburgh Eastern and voters from across the city made their voice heard in no uncertain terms, with a 74% vote to Remain. I was proud to join MSPs across the parties and across the country to cast my vote in the Scottish Parliament to make clear that their decision should be respected.

“That Ruth Davidson and her Tory colleagues could not find it within themselves to back this common-sense position in unison with the rest of the Parliament shows just how far they are willing to go to defend their colleagues in the UK Government – throwing Scotland under the bus in the process.

“Over the last few days, Nicola Sturgeon is the only politician in the UK who has shown any leadership whatsoever – and it is entirely right that MSPs have given her this overwhelming mandate to make Scotland’s case directly to EU institutions and member states.

“Our national Parliament spoke with a strong and united voice – making absolutely clear that Edinburgh’s vote must be respected; and Scotland’s place in Europe protected.

“In doing so, the First Minister has made clear that no option is off the table – and the SNP in government will do everything we can to ensure that Scotland maintains its place in the European family of nations, rather than being dragged out against our will by a right-wing Tory party, which now finds itself in complete disarray.”

Ash Denham, newly elected MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, has been appointed Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs.

Commenting, Ms Denham said:

“Parliamentary Liaison officers play a key role in maintaining a good relationship between the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government, and I am honoured and excited to be given this responsibility so early in my role as representative for Edinburgh Eastern. I will undertake it with great commitment and dedication.”